Fibroids do not develop until the body begins producing estrogen during the onset of menstruation. During the reproductive years, hormonal imbalance can cause fibroids to form and grow.  Hormonal imbalance occurs when estrogen and progesterone are not present in the proper proportions, often referred to as estrogen dominance. The most common imbalance that causes fibroids is low progesterone in ratio to estrogen.

Progesterone production decreases during the 30s and 40s.  When additional estrogen, such as the type found in birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and plant and environmental estrogens is brought into the mix, hormonal imbalance occurs.  Additionally, fibroid tumors may grow very quickly during pregnancy when the body is producing extra estrogen.

Primary Types of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids can be so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. However, they can grow very large. They may fill the entire uterus, and may weigh several pounds. Although it is possible for just one fibroid to develop, usually there are more than one.

There are four primary types of uterine fibroids, classified primarily according to location in the uterus:

Addressing Uterine Fibroids

Often, women are told that a fibroid condition is not medically addressed unless they become bothersome. However, at this point invasive procedures, such as surgery, hysterectomy, myomectomy, and embolization are generally the only options offered.  Therefore, it is a good idea to try and resolve this condition before they become too large or problematic. In many cases, if they have become large and problematic, but are not a threat to your health or vital organs, then you should still be able to attempt to shrink them naturally. 

Furthermore, uterine fibroids often shrink and disappear after menopause when the body stops producing as much estrogen.  However, if a woman has used hormone replacement therapy for many years, there is a possibility that she may have an excess of stored estrogen that can prevent fibroids from shrinking after menopause. A woman will almost never develop fibroid tumors when they are postmenopausal.

Please read our fibroid tumor website page where you can learn more about this condition, as well as a variety of natural dietary supplements that have helped many women shrink their fibroids.  The links on the left navigation bar offer educational information, products, and support. Our on-staff nutritionist is available to answer your questions by phone, email, LIVE CHAT, or on our Message Boards.

Men too can suffer from estrogen dominance. Phytoestrogens from plants and xenoestrogens from environmental sources can produce hormonal stimuli that can contribute to inappropriate growth of mammary tissue cells, resulting in a problem society is calling “man boobs.”  Some theorize that estrogen dominance in men is contributing to hair loss, atherosclerosis, prostate problems, lowered libido, weight gain, and impotency.

Symptoms of estrogen dominance in women and men:

Correcting Estrogen Dominance

What assists in correcting estrogen dominance in women and men?  Alternative health care makes the following suggestions:

• Hormonal support with a natural progesterone cream for women and men
• DIM and/or Myomin to metabolize excess estrogen
• Detoxification assistance with supplements such as Calcium D-Glucarate
• Dietary and environmental changes to rid yourself of phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens
• Lifestyle changes to manage the stresses in your life
• Nutritional supplements to ensure your body has the nutrients it needs to make and balance its hormones.  These nutrients tend to be low when estrogen is high:
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin E 400 IU for breast tenderness and fibroid inflammation

Please be sure to review the links provided above for full product descriptions, suggested uses, and brands.  This important information can help you regain balance for a healthier life.

Fibroids may grow as a single nodule or in clusters and may range in size from 1 cm to more than 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter.  They may grow within the wall of the uterus or they may project into the interior cavity, or toward the outer surface.  In rare cases, they may grow on stalks or peduncles projecting from the surface of the uterus. These are known as pendunculated fibroids. 

While many women do not experience any problems, symptoms can be severe enough to require treatment, and are the most common indication for surgery, including hysterectomy, myomectomy, and uterine fibroid embolization.

Our website contains extensive information about uterine fibroids , estrogen dominance, and
hormonal balance.  Our on-staff nutritionist is available to answer your questions by phone, email, LIVE CHAT, or on our Message Boards.

• Vitalzym
• DIM
• Myomin
• Natural Progesterone
• Calcium D-Glucarate
• Vitamin A